Escudero will face Houston Police Officer and Legacy FC veteran Jeff Rexroad. Legacy Fighting Championship 9 will take place at the Houston Arena Theater in Houston, Texas on December 16.

According to Legacy Promoter Mick Maynard, “Unfortunately Paul Kelly will not be making his Legacy FC debut against Jeff Rexroad in December as planned. Kelly is looking forward to fighting for us in the near future as soon as his Visa issue has been resolved. Efrain Escudero has stepped in to fight Rexroad. It is a very compelling match up and promises to be a very explosive fight. Fans will not be disappointed!”

Efrain Escudero (18-3-0), a UFC and Bellator veteran, has stepped into the octagon with some of the best fighters in the world and holds notable wins over top contenders such as Dan Lauzon and Cole Miller.

The TUF champion and All-American wrestler has won five out of his last six bouts, including a first round submission victory over Cesar Avila at Bellator Fighting Championships 55 in October.

The Legacy Fighting Championship 9 show takes place on Friday, Dec 16 and will air live on HDNet starting at 10pm ET/7pm PT.